STANFORD, Calif. -- They cried -- Josh Huff on the field, Marcus Mariota in the locker room -- because they felt like Oregon was unbeatable, felt like it was destined for a shot at the national title.

But the Ducks were neither on Thursday, losing 26-20 to No. 6 Stanford after a late rally was not enough to overcome an avalanche of turnovers, missed opportunities and the plowing force that is the Cardinal offense line.

“It just hurts,’’ Huff said. “Just to see everything we worked so hard for go down the drain. Our heart is just broken right now.’’

Although Stanford (8-1, 6-1) clearly outplayed Oregon, a factor in the game was Mariota’s left knee, which a report before the game said was sprained. Mariota was evasive about the injury, saying it was not a factor, but offensive coordinator Scott Frost noted the Ducks’ gameplan was altered in order to protect Mariota from running.

Mariota finished completing 20-of-34 passes for 250 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, while rushing six times for negative 16 yards, because three sacks resulted in minus-24 yards. He was hurried throughout the game and fumbled twice, losing one on the Stanford 28 with the Ducks trailing 20-0. He said the knee was not a factor in his play, although he said he did play with pain.

“It is what it is. It’s a little banged up, but it’s nothing too extraordinary,’’ Mariota said. “Just going to take it and get healthy and I will be ready for next week. It wasn’t that much of a factor. The staff did a good job of forcing me to hand the ball off.’’

The Ducks (8-1, 5-1) certainly had their chances early, advancing inside the Stanford five twice and coming away empty handed. Mariota also missed a wide-open Huff inside the 10 on the game’s opening drive, badly under-throwing him on third down, forcing the Ducks to punt.

But equally important was Stanford’s physical dominance up front, particularly its offensive line, which pounded and pounded the Ducks front. Stanford converted 14 of its 21 third downs, including 10 of its first 13. Usually, they were short yardage and never did the Ducks make it close.

“They dominated the line of scrimmage tonight, something I’m sure our guys are not happy about,’’ Nick Aliotti said. “But the bottom line is they dominated the line of scrimmage and were able to keep the ball, keep our offense off the field.’’

Stanford held the ball for 42:34 compared to Oregon’s 17:26.

“That was critical in the outcome of the game,’’ Aliotti said.

It was a night when seemingly nothing went the Ducks’ way, at least through the first three quarters.

Tony Washington had a sure interception go through his hands.

“It was shocking. It looked like he was throwing it right to me,’’ Washington said. “I reacted too late.’’

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu had an interception overturned because he was called for pass interference.

And De’Anthony Thomas fumbled at the two yard line.

“When we look at the film, there will be a lot of would haves, should haves, could haves, but unfortunately, you don’t get do overs,’’ Oregon coach Mark Helfrich said.

Stanford went three-and-out on its first drive and punted -- its only punt of the game -- and when Bralon Addison returned it 25 yards to the Cardinal 28, the Ducks had momentum. On third down, Mariota made a tough throw across his body to Keanon Lowe, a 19-yard play that had the Ducks knocking at Stanford’s seven. Three plays later, the Ducks were at the four, and decided to go for it on fourth down.

Mariota overthrew Addison in the corner of the end zone. Helfrich said he didn’t regret the call and would do it again.

"I would do it the exact same way,'' Helfrich said. "I thought we had a play that we had a ton of confidence in, and I would do it again.''

It was similar to Oregon’s lone loss last year to Stanford, when an early scoring chance was turned away near the goal line on fourth down. Only this year, Stanford immediately took control, taking its next two drives into the end zone in methodical, and dominating fashion.

And now, like last season, the Ducks are on the outside looking in when it comes to the national title race.